Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has recently criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his recent sentiments against President William Ruto’s administration. Taking to his X account, the CS slammed Gachagua for accusing the government of deliberately targeting the Mt Kenya region residents with illicit alcohol. Duale termed Gachagua’s sentiments as unfortunate, irresponsible, and reckless, further adding that the statements were aimed at inciting Kenyans. He moreover advised Gachagua to rise above ethnic politics, exercise patriotism and maintain the morality of a good leader, further warning the DP that history would judge him harshly. “Hon Gachagua, you were once the Deputy President, this statement is unfortunate, irresponsible, incitement, and reckless. History will judge you.History will judge you. Don’t lower the bar for good leadership, rise above ethnic chieftains. Be a Democrat.” Duale’s comment comes days after the former DP accused President Ruto of instructing Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo to order the reopening of all alcohol stores including companies that manufacture the drinks. The former DP faulted the government for allegedly weakening his previous efforts in fighting against drug and substance abuse. “The Interior Security PS was instructed by the President to reopen all those alcohol factories, and they were urged to sell the alcohol exclusively in Mount Kenya. It is not sold in Rift Valley or anywhere else. Yesterday, three people died in Bahati. Since they forced me out of office, the President has ordered all the illicit alcohol that kills people to be brought here to destroy our young people,” the former DP noted. His allegations were later dismissed by PS Omollo who termed the former DP’s remarks as inflammatory and politically motivated. Moreover, Omollo noted that the government does not produce, distribute or retail any alcoholic drinks and the problem of substance misuse affects people from all walks of life, including parents and children. “We take great exception that such grave national matters can be trivialized by one individual, on a church podium nonetheless, without empathy for the families that may be struggling with this crisis,” PS Omollo said.
